Summer Journey 2019 Is A Wrap

We got into our winter hideaway in Picacho Monday afternoon after visiting Tombstone Territories RV Park in Tombstone, Arizona for a week.  While there in Tombstone we hiked up the top of the Huachuca Mountains in Sierra Vista which was a feat I wanted to accomplish, climbing up over 600 feet in less than a mile.  The trail was not treacherous, just steep.  The folks who maintain this trail (Friends of Ramsey Canyon) were thoughtful and put 9 benches ever 80 feet or so, just to stop and catch your breath.  Going up was hard, not only in the elevation gain but in using leg muscles you forgot you have, but coming down - a bit more harder, very tough on knees.  But we maid it, did not see Border Patrol 'up there' even though a Patrol car was parked in the parking lot.  If we would have continued on one of the 3 trails at the top of the mountain, we would be right up against the border with Mexico which is where I think they were hiding out.

I 10 westbound, near Lordsburg, New Mexico 

Railroad 'bone' yard - they scrap out cars along I 10

Dropping down into Wilcox Valley, westbound I 10, Arizona

Lots of standing water from a couple week's prior storm (we got it while in Amarillo)

Riding a bicycle on I 10 - cars going 80 miles an hour.  Wow. 

19th state we crossed this summer

Another little hike we did while in Tombstone was so visit the San Pedro River Riparian again.  There are miles of trails that go along the San Pedro and we had never hiked along the western bank northward, which we did.  Amazing that the water was still flowing after a very dry summer season.

And back to 'norm' - Check point for Border Patrol

Used the last couple of days while at Tombstone to begin cleaning out and packing up the RV to bring our possessions out.  And to sanitize the holding tanks, clean and wax the exterior, and general enjoy the last couple of days in the RV.  We were lucky in that the weather during the day was perfect - low 70's, but at night a bit chilly - got down to low 40's, had to have the heaters on.  We really enjoy that RV park, this was our 5th time visiting it in 10 years.  And to be serenaded by the coyotes at night, not just once but sometimes 3 or 4 times.  We think their den was right by us, they howled coming out and then going back in.  Many of the other campers did not like it - they all had dogs and the dogs would start up barking if they got too close.

The step-trail up to the top of Huachuca Mountains

Looking down on Mexico - very deep canyon

Trail was rated strenuous - no fooling! 

We always see deer and also wild turkeys while at Ramsey Canyon

Our summer was eventful for a couple of reasons - we put the most mileage in one summer on the RV; we got back to Ohio and saw family and friends and enjoyed a wonderful wedding; we saw new things along the way there as well as when we left and were headed to Arizona for the winter.
And we can say we have camped in all lower 48 states now, picking up Oklahoma as our last state we had not spent any time in.  We are still drawn to the mountains but have a soft spot for water.  When we were in Ohio, specifically along Lake Erie, were were astonished at the high water levels.  Streets flooded where they had not experienced it before, many many homes for sale because of the water encroachment.  Some good real estate buys if you want to deal with swimming in your front yard.

Trail down to San Pedro River

Still water, lots of animal tracks

Cadzillion of these grasshoppers all over

Pretty, very tranquil 

Huh?  Wonder what this was all about?

Lots of erosion

We are also sad we did not get to spend time with many more friends from Ohio - our time we thought we would use to visit them was quickly changed due to health circumstances of family member, helping her get back on her feet and functional again.  But so very glad we were there to help and get her spirits up and getting that positive outlook on life she always had and has again.

So, this is the last post until next time - have a great winter!